Body Wax Applicator For Body Wax and a System Therefor

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a body wax applicator and system for use in treatments involving the application of wax to the body for removal of undesired body hair. It is particularly suitable for use in strip-less waxing. The applicator is configured with a brush portion of silicone that has a plurality of bristles that provide an angled contact surface. The applicator and system allows for the tidy and controlled heating of hard wax and subsequent application of molten wax to the human body for the purpose of removing hair.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an applicator and a system for application of body wax. The invention has particular application to use in applying hard wax to the human body for the subsequent removal of undesirable hair growth.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Body wax is widely used in the cosmetic and beauty industry for removal of undesirable hair from areas of the body such as, but not limited to, the armpits, bikini line and around the eyebrows. There are a few different techniques used for removal of hair with body wax,

One common technique involves the application of a soft wax, which may have been gently heated to increase its viscosity, to the area being treated. A strip of paper or the like is then applied to the soft wax. Once the paper has banded to the wax, and the wax to the skin and thus the hair follicles, it is quickly stripped from the body. This removes the undesired hair. It should be appreciated that the wax remains soft throughout this process although it, may have a higher viscosity if heated. This technique is often referred to as strip waxing.

An alternative waxing technique uses hard wax and is often referred to strip-less waxing since it does not require the use of strips of paper. In this technique, the hard wax is heated until it has melted or at least is semi-molten. The heated wax, now being more viscous, is then applied to the area of the body from which hair is to be removed and allowed to set. The resulting patch of wax is stripped from the body, removing the hair follicles that have been entrained with the wax as it set.

In use, the hard wax is melted in a vessel or container. Once in a molten or semi-molten state, the wax is collected using an application tool in the form of a flat stick or spatula, and applied to the desired location.

However, this technique can become quite messy, with the molten wax potentially dripping as it is transferred from the heating container to the stick and then onto the desired location. Cross contamination may be an issue; for health and safety reasons, a professional beauty therapist may dispose of the container and any residual wax in between customers. There is also a lot of wastage of the sticks and spatulas used as application took as these are often made of materials not conducive to their reuse.

Another waxing method is the use of wax sticks mounted to a base, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,493. When the tip of the stick is heated, usually through application of a naked flame, the wax becomes semi-molten and thus is able to be applied to the skin. These may be suitable for very small and discrete areas but not as practical for large areas requiring treatment; as it is applied to the body the wax stick may cool down and set, thus requiring reheating before application can continue.

A major drawback with this system is for the wax to drip in an uncontrolled manner if care is not taken when heating it. Furthermore, the fire risk presented through the use of a naked flame is a potential health and safety risk for professional therapists.

Rollers with a reservoir of wax have also been known to be used for waxing although these are relatively complex to manufacture, and thus are expensive. They can also be messy to use and are not as suitable for smaller, discrete areas. They are also more suitable to soft waxes than hard waxes; once the roller has been removed from the heat source required to improve the viscosity of the hard wax, it cools down relatively quickly and the wax loses its pliability, This makes it difficult to use the roller.

Single-use applicators intended to provide a tidier way of applying wax are known. For example, U.S. Published patent application No. 2009/0136282 ('282) discloses a body wax applicator system and method that is disposable.

The applicator of '282 is formed as a hollow extrusion of thermoplastics material and includes a dispensing tip, which allows for discrete and controlled amounts of molten wax to be applied to the area being treated. The applicators are provided to the consumer prefilled with hard wax. In order to use them, the consumer heats the applicator, thereby melting the hard wax contained therein.

While the applicator of '282 allows a cleaner method for application of molten wax, it has a number of problems. For example, it is unable to be reused and thus are very wasteful. This is due to the use of the thermoplastics material as the heat imparted to reduce the hard wax to a molten state may be detrimental to the shape and form of the applicator itself.

Furthermore, the tip has a relatively small surface area, making it impractical for larger areas of the skin. Thus it is dimensioned accordingly, since larger quantities of wax run the risk of cooling down and solidifying before being expelled from the applicator.

Being a single use device, there is no ability to refill the applicator and furthermore if not all the wax is dispensed, it is best practice for hygiene reasons to not reuse the applicator. This is because of the wax on the tip itself possibly being suctioned back into the applicator, making it undesirable to then use it on another person.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a body wax applicator and body wax system for the application of body wax to the human body for strip-less hair removal.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a body wax applicator that is easy to use.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a body wax applicator that is easy to clean.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a body wax applicator that is reusable,

It is a further object of the invention to provide a body wax applicator suitable r both personal and professional users.

Alternatively, it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body wax applicator for use in applying a body wax, wherein the body wax applicator includes:

a body, the body including:

a hollow interior portion; and

an open neck communicative with the hollow interior portion;

a brush portion, the brush portion including:

a base, wherein a lower part of the base is configured to close the open neck of the body; and

a plurality of bristles arising from an upper part of the base; and

a channel passing through the base from the upper part to the lower part, and

wherein at least the brush portion is configured as a unitary component from silicone rubber.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is a provided a body wax system for use in applying a body wax, wherein the body wax system includes:

one or more applicators substantially as described above,

a container configured to receive the one or more applicators, the container including a heating means arranged to apply heat to the one or more applicators when received in the container.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is a provided a body wax system for use in applying a body wax, wherein the body wax system includes:

one or more applicators substantially as described above,

a container configured to receive the one or more applicators, the container including a reservoir fora wax.

The invention provides a body wax applicator and system for use in treatments involving the application of wax to the body for removal of undesired body hair. It is particularly suitable for use in strip-less waxing although it will be appreciated that it could readily be used to apply wax for strip waxing. Reference shall now be made throughout the remainder of the specification to the invention being an applicator and system respectively.

The applicator and system allows for the tidy and controlled heating of hard wax and subsequent application of molten wax to the human body for the purpose of removing hair. The applicator is easy to clean and reuse as required. The system provides a means of heating the applicators to melt the wax contained therein so that it is ready for use. The system also allows for replenishment of the applicator during a treatment session if necessary.

It will be understood that the present invention is intended for use in strip-less waxing techniques. These involve the use of a hard wax, which is heated so it becomes molten, or at least semi-molten, such that it is flowable and thus easily applied to the body.

This hard wax may come in a variety of forms. For example, it may be a paraffin-based wax or alternatively may be beeswax or a wax derived from plants. In exemplary embodiments, the wax is a resin-based wax; the inventor prefers these types of waxes due to their lower melting point, meaning less energy is required to heat the wax, and the period of time it remains pliable before setting.

Once the resin-based wax has set, it remains somewhat pliable and maintains its structural integrity even as it is removed, in some embodiments, the wax may be infused with essential oils or other constituents. This may supplement the treatment process and contribute to the wellbeing and experience of the person being treated.

It should be appreciated that prior to being heated, the hard wax is typically provided as small beads or pellets, similar to granules, for introduction to the applicator. However, in some instances, the hard wax may be provided in blocks which may be broken up into smaller chunks for introduction to the applicator.

In use, the applicator is heated or otherwise warmed up in order to reduce the hard wax contained therein into a molten or semi-molten state. The molten wax is then dispensed using the applicator to the body of the person being treated.

The applicator should be understood to have a body and a brush portion. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the applicator is configured with a body and a brush portion.

The brush portion of the applicator is formed from silicone rubber.

Silicone rubber, referred to as silicone for the remainder of this specification, is used for its ability to cope with high temperatures and for being flexible. It is also inert and biocompatible and as such is unlikely to irritate the skin of the person being treated. Silicone is non-porous and has a relatively low co-efficient of friction, making it easy to clean even when removing hard wax that has been set. Silicone is therefore ideal for use for dealing with materials that are both flowable and settable, depending on temperature, such as hard wax.

In exemplary embodiments, food grade silicone is used. This type of silicone is able to retain its shape even when heated. Furthermore, heat is retained within the contents of the applicator rather than in the silicone itself; this makes it easier for the user to handle the applicator during treatment as they are somewhat insulated from the heat of the molten wax.

In exemplary embodiments, the body of the applicator is also configured from silicone. However, this is not meant to be limiting and other plastics material may be used as an alternative for forming the body of the applicator. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) may be used by a person skilled in the art although these are not as ideal for dealing with hard wax.

In exemplary embodiments, the applicator is provided as a two-part assembly. This is preferred for ease of manufacture and to provide for the possibility for conferring the body and brush portion of the applicator with different properties (for example, using different grades of silicone rubber for the respective parts).

In embodiments where the applicator is a two-part assembly, the body and brush portion may be provided with co-operating fastening features, such as a screw thread or the like. This may allow the user to introduce larger chunks of hard wax to the applicator simply by removing the brush portion in order to expose the hollow interior of the body.

In other embodiments, the body and brush portion may be manufactured separately but then brought together and permanently bonded through the use of adhesives or other techniques during assembly.

In a further embodiment, the applicator is configured as a unitary component, where the body and brush portion may be moulded in one-piece from silicone.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the brush portion is formed from silicone having a Shore A hardness of between 30 to 60 and the body is formed from silicone having a Shore A hardness of between 60 to 80. However, this is not meant to be limiting and persons skilled in the art will readily identify silicones of an appropriate Shore hardness for use to the brush portion, and if applicable, the body. For example, in some embodiments, the brush portion may have a Shore A hardness of less than 30 if particularly soft and pliable bristles are preferred.

The body of the applicator includes a hollow interior portion; this is defined by a base or bottom, side walls and at one end an open neck. In some embodiments, the neck may include fastening features that are co-operative with complementary fastening features on the brush portion. It will be appreciated that the hard wax is received in the hollow portion of the body. The body may be thought of as a bottle, where the bottle is closed off by the brush portion.

The body may take a variety of forms; for example, the body may be relatively elongate and slender, in a manner similar to a writing implement. Alternatively, the body may be more oval, but with a squared off base so that it may stand upright for storage purposes. Such a configuration may also provide more capacity for wax.

In some embodiments, the body may be provided with a suction cup-type arrangement at its base to allow the user to securely place the applicator on a working surface, such as a bench top.

In some embodiments, the body may be configured with an opening at or proximate the base. This opening may be sealed by an operable closure means, such as a snap-lock cover, plug insert, or the like. Alternatively, a non-return valve or similar may be provided to this area of the body. In other embodiments, the entire base may be a separate component or structure that is configured with a screw thread or other fastening mechanism that engages with a complementary fastening mechanism provided to the mating portion of the body. This may be useful in order to permit access to the interior of the body for refilling with hard wax or for cleaning purposes.

In some embodiments of the invention, the applicator may be provided as a kit set, wherein the kit set includes a brush portion and a plurality of bodies in a variety of shapes and/or dimensions. This allows the user to select the body with the best capacity for the particular area of the human body being treated. In these embodiments, it will be appreciated that the neck of each body is standard to allow the use of a single brush portion.

Conversely, in other embodiments the kit set may include a plurality of brush portions, each having a different profile, and a single body. This may allow the user to select a brush portion having particular characteristics or profile for the area of the body to be treated. As with the previous embodiment, the respective engaging surfaces of the brush portions and neck of the body may be standardised.

The brush portion should be understood to include a base having an upper part and a lower part. The lower part of the base engages with the neck of the body in use. The brush portion may be thought of as a cap for a bottle, where it closes off the bottle.

As already discussed, in some embodiments, the lower part of the brush portion and the neck of the body include complementary fastening and/or engagement means. Examples of such fastening means may include screw threads, snap-lock fittings or even a simple push-fit arrangement. In some embodiments, the fastening means may only be used once, such that the user cannot remove the brush portion once it has been fitted to the neck of the body.

The upper side of the base of the brush portion includes a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. These bristles form the brush of the applicator. The tips of the bristles define the contact surface of the applicator, i.e. the portion of the applicator that makes contact with the skin of the person being treated.

The bristles of the brush portion are important for they help lift up the hair follicles as the applicator is moved across the skin, optimising the delivery the hot wax. The lifting of the follicles by the bristles means that they are much more likely to become entrained and embedded in the wax as it sets. This increases the likelihood of the removal of the hair follicles when the wax is removed.

The number of bristles may vary depending on their relative thickness and the dimensions of the upper side of the base of the brush portion. For example, the brush portion may have 50 or more bristles; although this is not meant to be limiting and there may be fewer bristles. Generally the more bristles, the greater the potential disruption of the hair follicle as the bristles pass over the surface of the skin. This maximises the potential entrainment of the wax with the follicle.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the brush portion of the applicator is configured such that collectively, the contact surface defined by the tips of the bristles is angled or otherwise contoured.

In some embodiments of the invention, where the upper side of the base of the brush, portion is flat, the plurality of bristles extending therefrom progressively increases in length from a first side or edge of the upper part of the base to a second side or edge of the upper part of the base. Viewed in a side profile, this arrangement forms a contact surface with a consistent angle from one side of the base to the opposing side of the base.

In an alternative embodiment, the upper side of the base of the brush portion is arranged such that one side or edge is higher than the other side or edge, i.e. the upper side is sloped. In this embodiment, the bristles extending from the upper side of the base are all of the same length such that the contact surface has an consistent angle. In a further embodiment, the length of the bristles may vary such that in side profile, the contact surface is dome-shaped, with the longest bristles centrally arranged on the upper side of the brush portion.

In further embodiments, the upper side of the base of the brush portion may be contoured such that a central portion is elevated relative to the sides or edges of the upper side; for example, the upper side of the base may be dome-shaped in profile. In these embodiments, the bristles may be arranged such that they are all of the same length and thus the contact surface is similarly dome-shaped in profile. In other embodiments, the length of the bristles may vary on one side of the dome to the other. For example, on one side, the bristles may be all of the same length, such that that side has a contoured contact surface. On the other side, the bristles may get progressively longer as it approaches the edge of the upper side. The contact surface on this side is therefore substantially flat.

It will be appreciated that in these further embodiments, the angle of the contact surface may vary across the width of the brush portion. The inventor has found that this arrangement can improve the bristles' ability to disrupt finer hair follicles for better entrainment with the molten wax as it is applied to the skin.

In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the contact surface of the brush portion is angled at approximately 45°. This is a convenient compromise between comfort for the user of the applicator, since it is a similar angle to how a writing implement would be held in the hand, while still ensuring all of the contact surface meets the area of skin being treated. This arrangement also provides for greater control of the applicator as it dispenses the molten wax.

However, this is not meant to be limiting and the angle of the contact surface of the brush portion may range from 0°, i.e. the plurality of bristles are all of equal length, to approximately 75°. An angle greater than this becomes increasingly impractical for it means that to ensure the body of the applicator needs to be held at a relatively shallow angle to ensure that all of the contact surface of the brush portion touches the skin. As noted above, in some embodiments of the invention the angle of the contact surface may vary across its profile.

It, should also be appreciated that the size of the contact surface of the brush portion will gradually increase as the angle increases. Thus, in a plan view, the contact surface changes from being substantially circular at 0° to substantially oval at 75°. Having a steeper angle for the contact surface of the brush portion thus has the potential to cover a larger area of the skin of the person being treated.

The base of the brush portion includes a channel or aperture running between the upper and lower parts. In use, this allows the molten wax to travel from the interior of the body through to the bristles of the brush portion.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the channel is arranged substantially central to the brush portion. However, in alternative embodiments, the channel may favour one side of the brush portion; for example, where the applicator has been provided with an angled contact surface, the channel may open on the side of the brush portion that has the longest bristles; this may be conducive for the efficient spreading of the molten wax across the contact surface.

In exemplary embodiments, the opening of the channel includes a closure means that deforms into an open condition upon appropriate pressure being applied. This acts to ensure that wax is delivered only when desired, irrespective of the orientation of the applicator.

In exemplary embodiments, the closure means is provided to the opening of the channel on the upper part of the brush portion. This allows the user to inspect the closure means to ensure it is correctly function. In other embodiments, the closure means may be provided internally to the channel of the brush portion, or even at the opening to the lower part of the brush portion.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the closure means of the channel is one or more flaps or valves at the opening of the channel on the upper part of the brush portion. The flap may be biased outwards, away from the opening of the channel, upon pressure being applied to the body and/or brush portion of the applicator; this forces wax, once in a molten state, out of the interior of the body and onto the bustles for application to the area of the body being treated. Otherwise, the flap/valve serves to keep the molten wax within the interior even if inadvertently tipped upside down.

In some embodiments, the flap/valve(s) is configured to allow to be biased inwards, into the interior of the body. This is useful, as it allows the user to introduce the hard wax, in its solid granular form, into the interior without needing to remove the brush portion from the body. In this embodiment, preferably the opening of the channel is dimensioned large enough to receive the tip of a funnel or similar pouring device that transfers the hard wax from a storage container to the applicator.

This channel is particularly important for embodiments of the invention when the brush portion and body are an integral structure and cannot be separated; it allows molten wax to be dispensed during treatment and also replenishment of the applicator prior to being, used. However, in embodiments where the brush portion is removable, the hard wax may also be introduced simply by removing the brush portion and introducing it to the body via the neck of same.

To use the invention, the user simply heats the applicator using a microwave or placing it in a container of boiling water; there is no need to use a naked flame as in some instances of the prior art. The heat applied to the applicator melts the hard wax therein, or at least reduces it to a semi-molten state in which it is flowable.

The applicator is then inverted and the contact surface of the brush portion placed on the area of skin being treated. The heated wax flows through the channel of the brush portion, in some instances urged on by the user squeezing the sides of the body and/or brush portion, and into the bristles at which point it can be distributed over the skin. As the applicator is moved across the skin, preferably against the direction of hair growth, the bristles act to disrupt the hair follicles allowing them to become better encapsulated by the wax. The wax cools and sets and thus is ready for removal.

The applicator can be cleaned simply by the user peeling off the wax residue from the bristles and washing with detergent and/or disinfectant in combination with hot water. It can be put to one side ready for reuse. In some embodiments, as previously noted, the brush portion is separable from the body, to allow wax pellets to be introduced to its interior. This also allows the respective parts of the applicator to be separately cleaned.

The system of the present invention provides a manner of storage, heating and replenishment for the applicators. This may be particularly conducive for use with professional beauty therapists that treat multiple clients a day.

In its basic form, the system includes a container, having a base, side walls and a top surface.

In exemplary embodiments, the top surface of the container is configured with receptacles substantially complementary to the exterior shape and profile of the body of the applicator. Depending on the desired depth of the container, the receptacles may be arranged to receive the applicators vertically or alternatively, substantially horizontally. In the latter embodiment, it will be appreciated that this may mean that the container has a relatively low profile compared to an embodiment where the applicators are stored upright. Furthermore, in this latter embodiment, the receptacles may be provided to the side walls of the container. The applicators are then slid into the receptacles.

However, it is still preferable to have the applicators at least somewhat inclined, i.e. the brush portion elevated, to minimise the risk of unintentional discharge of heated wax while the applicators are heated.

However, in alternative embodiments, the top surface of the container may be configured as a lid, hinged along one edge to a side wall. In this embodiment, the interior of the container may include a frame-like structure that defines a plurality of recesses or receptacles that receive the applicators.

In exemplary embodiments, the container includes a heating means, such as an electrically powered heating element or the like as will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art. The heating means may include a plate or the like positioned beneath and communicative, either directly or indirectly, with the recesses that receive the applicators. Thus in this manner, the applicators may be heated.

In this embodiment, the container may include a power source, such as a battery, or an electric cable to connect the container to mains power.

In exemplary embodiments, the container includes a reservoir for a hard wax, in these embodiments, preferably the reservoir of the container is thermally insulated from the heating means of the container. This ensures that there is no undesirable melting of the hard wax stored therein.

As previously noted, the hard wax is provided as small beads, pellets or granules and as such are relatively Plowable for sake of replenishment of the applicators. Therefore, in some embodiments, the reservoir may be provided with a dispenser or the like, operated by a lever. To replenish clean applicators, the user removes the brush portion, thereby opening the body and activates the dispenser to deliver the hard wax pellets into the body. Alternatively the tip of the dispenser for a funnel) may be inserted into the aperture provided to the brush portion and the hard wax pellets or granules delivered this way.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of an applicator in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of an applicator in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of an applicator accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of an applicator in accordance with one aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a system in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in the form of an applicator (generally indicated by 100) is shown in FIG. 1 in a side view. An alternative embodiment of the applicator 200 is shown in FIG. 2; note that like features of the respective embodiments are identified by like numbers.

Each applicator 100, 200 includes two main components; a body 102 and a brush portion 104. The body is in the form of a container with a hollow interior, defined by a circular side walls 105 and a base 108.

The body 102 includes n open neck 110 to allow access to the interior 112. About its exterior surface, the neck includes a fastening means in the form of a screw thread 114 in the illustrated example, that in use engages with a complementary screw thread 116 on the brush portion 104 of the applicator 100. However, it should be appreciated that in other forms, the fastening means may be a snap-lock type arrangement or other alternative that a person skilled in the art may readily implement.

In FIG. 1, the body 102 is generally tubular about 120 millimetres long, with a substantially consistent cross-section for most of its length; this allows the person wielding the applicator 100 to use it in a manner similar to a writing implement. This may be particularly helpful when applying the wax to small, discrete areas such as around the eyebrows, which requires relatively high dexterity.

However, other embodiments, such as in the applicator 200 of FIG. 2, may call for a more oval-shaped body 102, such that it contains a greater amount of wax, for example 80 millilitres, relative to the embodiment of FIG. 1, which may only contain, for example, 40 millilitres. In FIG. 2, it will be seen that the body includes a tapered portion 202 that leads to the neck 110. The user gripping the tapered portion with their thumb and forefinger while the wide part of the body rests on the hand.

In the applicator 200 of FIG. 2, the body 102 is provided with a base 204 that is substantially flat. This allows it to be stood upright, with the bristles uppermost, if desired.

However, it will be appreciated that the base 204, as such, may be substantially tapered and even end in a point; this may be preferred for aesthetic reasons.

Preferably the body 102 is moulded from silicone, which confers it with some flexibility, For example, when applying the wax to the person being treated, to urge molten wax out of the body into the brush portion 104 of the applicator 100, 200, the user may squeeze the side wall 106 of the body. Silicone tends to not retain heat as well as other types of plastics so that even when heated, the applicator 100, 200, is relatively comfortable to hold.

The brush portion 104 is formed from silicone, preferably of food grade. This is an important aspect of the invention 100, 200 as it means that any set wax is easy to peel off and remove, making it easy to clean the brush portion after use.

The brush portion 104 is configured in a manner similar to a cap; it has a top surface or base portion 104 a from which walls 104 b depend downwards to form a skirt 104 c. As noted above, a complementary fastening means 116 to that of the neck 110 of the body 102 is provided to the interior surfaces of the skirt. Thus, the brush portion can be secured to the body of the applicator 100, 200.

Extending upwards away from the top surface 104 a of the brush portion 104 are a plurality of silicone bristles 118 (not shown to scale in FIGS. 1 to 4). The tips 118 a of the bristles define the contact surface that touches the skin of the person being treated in use. These bristles serve to work and manipulate the hair follicles in order to better ensure that they are covered as much as is practicable by the molten wax as it is dispensed.

As can be seen, the length of the bristles 118 gradually increase in height from one side 120 a or edge of the top surface 104 a to the other side or edge 120 b. In the example of FIG. 1, this means that the contact surface of the applicator 100 is at an approximately 45° angle relative to the elongate dimension of the body 102. However, it is envisaged that the angle may vary according to the preferences of the user. For example, in the applicator 200 of FIG. 2 the contact surface is at an approximately 30° angle relative to the elongate dimension of the body. A consequence of this is that the applicator 100 of FIG. 1 has a slightly larger contact surface relative to the applicator of FIG. 2; thus the former may be more convenient to use when treating larger areas.

To allow the heated wax to flow to the bristles, the brush portion 104 includes a channel or aperture 302 as shown in FIG. 3, a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an applicator 300. As can be seen, the channel 302 runs from the top surface 104 a through the brush portion; when connected to the body 102, this channel is communicative with the interior of the body. This provides a means to permit the hard wax, once heated, to flow from the interior to the bristles and then onto the skin being treated.

The opening of the channel 302 to the top surface is guarded through the use of a closure in the form of a pair of flaps 304. These effectively seal the interior of the body 102 although can still be biased open upon application of a force to the walls of the body. This results in an increase in internal pressure that biases the flaps outwards which, when the applicator 300 is inverted, allows molten wax to flow to the skin being treated. Similarly, the flaps may fold inwards, such as when the user forces hard wax pellets (not shown), or the end of a nozzle or funnel (not shown) dispensing hard wax pellets, against the flaps for the purpose of refilling the applicator 300.

In FIG. 3, the channel 302 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the brush portion 104 but in alternative examples not shown here, the channel may be offset so that it favours one side, for example 120 a more than the other. This favours the longer bristles and makes it easier to spread and work the molten wax across the skin of the person being treated.

The previous examples of applicator 100, 200 described the use of screw threads to secure the brush portion 104 to the body 102, in the embodiment of the applicator 300 of FIG. 3, the engagement is a simple push-fit and the co-operating surfaces of the neck 110 and skirt 104 c are secured through the use of an adhesive. This means that once assembled, the applicator is a unitary structure.

It should be noted that the angle of the contact surface of the applicator 300 of FIG. 3 is steeper than that of the applicators 100, 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, assuming the brush portion 104 of each applicator has a consistent cross-section, the contact surface gets progressively larger, the steeper the angle.

A further embodiment of an applicator 400 is shown in FIG. 4 in a partial cross-section. It will be seen that the top, surface 104 a of the brush portion 104 has a dome-shaped profile. In contrast to previous embodiments described, the bristles 118 of the applicator of FIG. 4 are all of the same length, and thus the contact surface defined by the tips 118 a of the bristles similarly has a dome-shaped profile.

It will be appreciated that beauty therapy professionals may have several clients a day requiring treatment for hair removal. In such a scenario, to maximise throughput, the therapist will want to ensure that the applicators are ready to use at any time. At the same time, it would be preferably to operate a clean and professional working environment for the comfort of the client and a messy workspace, with wax drips on table and bench surfaces would be counterproductive. The present invention is ideal for such a scenario, when used as part of a heating and dispensing system.

A schematic of such a system 500 for use with the applicator 100 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 5 in a cross-sectional side view. As can be seen, this shows a substantially rectangular container 502, the upper surface of which is provided with receptacles 504, shown in dashed lines, that receive the applicators (not shown). It will be appreciated that the dimensions of these receptacles are substantially complementary to those of the exterior of the body 102 of the applicator 100 of FIG. 1.

The container 502 includes a plate 506 positioned beneath the receptacles 504. When positioned in the container, the applicators stand on this plate, which is thermally heated by an electrical element 508 connected via an electrical lead 510 to mains power 512.

The container 502 may include a reservoir 514 that is thermally insulated. In this reservoir, hard wax pellets (not shown) may be stored. To maintain hygiene, the reservoir may be covered by a hinged lid 516. This may be opened to allow the reservoir to be restocked as the need arises.

The reservoir 514 also includes a dispensing tap 518. Depending on the embodiment of applicator, this allows the applicators to be replenished. For example, for the applicators of FIGS. 1 and 2, once they have been cleaned, the brush portion is removed and the neck 110 of the body 102 is offered to the nozzle 520 of the dispensing tap; wax pellets are thus are introduced to the body. Alternatively, for the applicator 300 of FIG. 3, the user inserts the nozzle 520 into the channel 302, forcing open the flaps 304 of the brush portion before activating the dispenser. Regardless of how it is filled, the applicators can then be placed within one of the receptacles 504 so that once the wax has become molten, it is ready for use.

When being used in a treatment session, the beauty therapist turns on the electrical element 508 to heat the plate 506. This then heats up any applicators located within the receptacles 504, thereby melting the hard wax contained therein. This could be done at the start of the working day, with the plate being maintained at a set temperature and ensuring all the applicators are effectively ready to use when required.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. it is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention. 

1. A body wax applicator for use in applying a body wax, wherein the body wax applicator comprises: a body, the body including: a hollow interior portion; and an open neck communicative with the hollow interior portion; a brush portion, the brush portion including: a base, wherein a lower part of the base is configured to close the open neck of the body; a plurality of bristles arising from an upper part of the base; and a channel passing through the base from the upper part to the lower part; and wherein at least the brush portion is configured as a unitary component from silicone rubber.
 2. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is configured from silicone rubber.
 3. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the open neck of the body and the lower part of the base are configured with at least co-operating fastening features or adhesively bonded together.
 4. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body and the brush portion is configured as a unitary component.
 5. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the brush portion is formed from silicone having a Shore A hardness of between 30 to
 60. 6. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the body is formed from silicone having a Shore A hardness of between 60 to
 80. 7. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tips of the plurality of bristles define a contact surface for the applicator.
 8. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 7, wherein the contact surface is angled or otherwise contoured.
 9. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 8, wherein the angle or contour of the contact surface is defined by: a length of the plurality of bristles; or the angle or contour of the surface from which the plurality of bristles arise.
 10. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the contact surface is angled at approximately 45°.
 11. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles comprises 50 or more bristles.
 12. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel is arranged substantially central to the brush portion and has an opening to the upper part of the base of the brush portion.
 13. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 12, wherein the opening of the channel includes a deformable closure means.
 14. The body wax applicator as claimed in claim 13, wherein the deformable closure means includes one or more flaps or valves.
 15. A body wax system for use in applying a body wax, wherein the body wax system includes: one or more body wax applicators including a body having a hollow interior portion and an open neck in communication with the hollow interior portion; and a brush portion including a base having a lower part of the base configured to close the open neck of the body and a plurality of bristles arising from an upper part of the base and having a channel passing through the base from the upper part to the lower part; and wherein at least the brush portion is configured as a unitary component from silicone rubber; and a container configured to receive the one or more applicators, the container including a heating means arranged to apply heat to the one or more applicators when received in the container.
 16. The body wax system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the container is configured with a reservoir for a wax.
 17. The body wax system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the wax is a resin-based wax.
 18. A method of using a body wax applicator comprising a body having a hollow interior portion and an open neck in communication with the hollow interior portion; and a brush portion including a base having a lower part of the base configured to close the open neck of the body and a plurality of bristles arising from an upper part of the base and having a channel passing through the base from the upper part to the lower part; and wherein at least the brush portion is configured as a unitary component from silicone rubber, the method including the steps of: at least partially filling the hollow interior portion of the body with a hard wax; applying a source of heat to at least a portion of the body to bring the hard wax therein to a molten state; applying the molten wax via the channel provided to the brush portion of the applicator to an area of a person's body from which hair is to be removed. 